A look back at "Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition OSAKA," which ran at Grand Front Osaka from January 17 to March 14, 2026. Over 300 prints by Hokusai, Sharaku and others were set in motion with 3DCG and projection mapping across seven immersive spaces. The tour moved on to Hiroshima in summer 2026.
Discover where and when to avoid wearing perfume in Japan, including Japanese restaurants, sushi bars, hospitals, and funerals. Learn about Japan's unique "unscented culture" and understand why fragrance etiquette matters so much in this country known for its consideration of others.
Discover why Japanese game centers have shifted from fighting games and rhythm games to crane games (UFO Catchers). Explore the business reasons behind this transformation, including the 364 billion yen prize game market, changing customer demographics, and profitability differences that reshaped Japan's arcade industry.
White furisode, once dismissed as too plain for a celebration, are back in a way the kimono trade calls the biggest revival in about half a century. Social media, the way white bounces light onto the face, and a shift in Gen Z taste all play a part. White topped the color rankings again for the 2026 ceremonies.
Discover Japan's unique "waifu" culture where fans call their favorite anime and game characters "my wife." Explore the latest hologram gadgets like Gatebox that bring 2D waifus into the real world, blending otaku devotion with cutting-edge technology.
In 2026, Japan's luxury hotel industry is undergoing a major transformation. International brands are shifting from simply entering Japan to broadcasting Japanese cultural context globally. Discover how hotels are moving from traditional prestige-focused service to immersive experience-driven hospitality, featuring Aman, Andaz, Bulgari, and more.
Director Mamoru Hosoda's "Scarlet" receives 3 Annie Award nominations despite disappointing box office in Japan. We analyze why this Shakespeare-inspired anime failed domestically but earned international recognition at Venice, Toronto film festivals and Annie Awards.
As Japan sees record numbers of "grave closings" due to aging demographics, more Japanese are creating family trees to discover their roots. With Meiji-era family registers facing destruction deadlines, the race to trace ancestry has become urgent.
Omikuji are the paper fortunes drawn at Japanese shrines and temples. Here is why drawing again after a bad one is frowned upon, what Shinto scholars say about it, what "kyo" (bad fortune) actually means, the etiquette around drawing and tying them, and which shrines are said to leave bad fortunes out altogether.
A guide to the Japanese tradition of Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year) and Osaisen (monetary offerings). Learn why 5-yen coins symbolize "good fortune," which amounts bring luck, and master the proper prayer etiquette including the "two bows, two claps, one bow" ritual.
The Super Sentai Series, running since 1975, ended with "No. 1 Sentai Gozyuger" on February 8, 2026, after revenue from events and merchandise stopped covering production costs. The economics, the exhausted crews, the scandals, and what PROJECT R.E.D. has done with the slot since.
What happens when a child mails a letter addressed only to "Santa" without an address before Christmas? Discover Japan Post's answer and learn the proper ways to actually send letters to Santa Claus from Japan.
Japan's beloved Garigari-kun popsicle will increase to 90 yen from March 2026 due to rising logistics and material costs. Explore the price history since 1981 and reactions from Japanese consumers and international perspectives.